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Measuring plantation shutters

How To Measure Your Window For Shutters in Cincinnati

October 04, 2017

Interior shutters in Cincinnati are almost always priced on a square foot basis, so to get an approximate measurement for a price quote, just measure your window length and width, to the nearest eighth of an inch.

Cincinnati shutter installer window measurement

For Cincinnati residents who want to be more hands-on, Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati will show you the simplest way to measure your windows to be fitted for indoor shutters.

 

How to Measure Rectangular and Square Windows for Shutters

Normal square windows seem like they’d be the easiest type of window to measure – and that’s because they are, compared to other specialty windows. But there’s still an entire process to follow to find your measurements. Here’s the plan.

Tools Needed:

  • Metal tape measure

  • Paper and pen

First, measure the width (the horizontal distance). Get a measurement across in three separate spots: close to the center, close to the top, and close to the bottom of the frame. Record each one, to the nearest eighth of an inch. Next, do the same for the height (vertical) – take three measurements, one in the center, and one close to the left and right edges of the window as shown in this illustration.

Cincinnati plantation shutter measurement diagram

Why do you need to measure three times each? Simply because no window is a geometrically perfect square. And because of the different types of shutter mounts different windows need, you may either need to record the smallest measurement (inside mount), or the longest measurement (for an outside mount). Taking measurements in multiple places makes sure you’re covered for every options.

How to Measure Unique Shape Windows for Shutters

Non-square windows are where measuring can become extremely tricky. Just like there’s no such thing as a perfectly square window, there’s no perfect arch or octagonal window – which means it’s not as simple as getting a width and height. For the best results, get a professional measurement (which Sunburst is happy to provide for no cost). Other than that, these are the steps to measure the most common non-rectangular windows for shutters.

 

Measuring Rounded and Arched Windows for Shutters

Measure the width on the window’s flat bottom. Only measuring around the window opening, mark down to the closest eighth of an inch the width of the arch. For the length, look for the halfway point of the window by dividing the width measurement in two, then measure to the end of the rounded part of the window from that spot. Again, record to the closest eighth of an inch.

 

Measuring Elongated Arch Windows for Shutters

Elongated arch windows look like a cross between a circular or rectangular, with a flat, wide bottom and vertical “legs,” but with rounded top edges and a taller arch. So attack it exactly as that: a rectangle and an arch on top of each other. Get the width measurement like you would any other arch, then record the length of the legs (the straight vertical parts before the window curves into an arch). Last, find the window’s max length from the center, subtracting the leg height. Again, record all of these to the closest eighth of an inch.

 

Measuring Octagon and Circular Windows

Circular and octagonal windows are some of the most difficult to get measurements for, as there can be so many small details that can change the dimensions of the shutters your window might need. It’s usually best to leave these windows to professionals.

For circular and octagonal windows and other windows you don’t feel comfortable measuring, or to just prevent any and all headaches and future stress, call Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati. We’d be glad to take your window measurements for free during your complimentary window treatment consultation. Just call 513-216-9740 or complete the contact form below to schedule yours.